Court fixes Dec. 8 for hearing of Nnamdi Kanu’s transfer request from Sokoto correctional facility

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday fixed December 8 as the date for hearing an ex-parte motion filed by Nnamdi Kanu, who is seeking to be moved from the Sokoto Correctional Facility where he is currently serving a life sentence.

Justice James Omotosho scheduled the hearing after refusing to take submissions from Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel, who attempted to appear for him despite not being a lawyer.

The judge reminded him that only trained legal practitioners are permitted to move motions on behalf of individuals in court.

Read also: Terrorism: Kanu sentenced to life imprisonment a decade after arrest

In the motion personally endorsed by Kanu, he asked the court to treat his application as moved in his absence since he cannot be physically present to argue it.

He further requested an order compelling authorities to move him from Sokoto to a facility within the court’s jurisdiction, or at least somewhere closer such as the Suleja or Keffi Custodial Centres to allow him prosecute his appeal.

Kanu, who dismissed his legal team before judgment, was convicted of terrorism offences on November 20 and opted to conduct his own defence.

Justice Omotosho reprimanded Emmanuel for attempting to act as counsel and advised him to engage a qualified lawyer or seek help from the Legal Aid Council.

The judge also corrected public claims suggesting that Kanu must be physically present to compile his record of appeal, explaining that a convict does not need to attend court for that purpose.

He noted that while a representative may appear, the convict’s own presence is unnecessary, and advised those commenting publicly on the case to avoid spreading inaccurate information.

The matter was then adjourned to December 8 for proper hearing.

Kanu argued in his application that being kept in Sokoto more than 700 km from Abuja makes it practically impossible for him to exercise his constitutional right of appeal.

He said those assisting him with the appeal process, including relatives and consultants, are all based in Abuja, and that remaining in Sokoto creates undue hardship that threatens his ability to pursue justice.

He therefore requested a transfer to a custodial centre closer to the capital to enable him prosecute his appeal effectively.

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